1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritic Knees

Posted by tropicallady1276 @tropicallady1276, May 10, 2017

I am a 77 year old woman with arthritic knees where it's difficult for me to walk and I'm trying to avoid knee replacement. I have done the Synvisc injections and physical therapy-- to no avail. Is there anyone here who has had stem cell therapy for arthritic knees and I would like to know your outcome. I know there are two, one where bone marrow is removed and the other where they take fat from the abdomen and regenerate and inject into the knees. I would like to know the cost and how long the procedure takes and any other information which would be helpful to me. I live in North Jersey and am currently looking for clinics in my area who perform this procedure. I appreciate your help.

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talan | @talan | May 11, 2017

I had my MRI done at my local orthopedist office. I took that to my stem cell doc and we discussed. I went back to him for a PRP shot. 5 days later I had another PRP and the stem cell procedure. One week later I had another PRP shot. Could not drink alcohol (even wine) for a month as it kills the stem cells. No anti inflammatory drugs either. Still at least one more PRP shot to go. Total cost $4700. My doc is retired so does not make much on this as he says he has already made his money and this is his chance to give back. I believe him. Hopefully there are some more docs out there like him. I think MAYO in Rochester does the procedure for about the same cost. I would check there too. Good idea to speak with multiple patients of any doc you choose. It does not work well for everyone but the ones I talked to all had great success. Good luck. Keep us posted.

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tropicallady1276 | @tropicallady1276 | May 11, 2017

Thank you so much for this information. It is helpful.

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tropicallady1276 | @tropicallady1276 | May 11, 2017
In reply to @winning "I got into stem cells from watching a webinar from the Mayo Clinic on the cure..." + (show)
@winning

I got into stem cells from watching a webinar from the Mayo Clinic on the cure for arthritis. I would think it would work on your knees. Cost is a concern for many. Doing research on what doctors to use is important. Cost for me was $7,000, but I have heard some charge more and less. Good luck.

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Thank you so much for this information. It is appreciated.

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jmaa | @jmaa | May 12, 2017
In reply to @talan "Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA..." + (show)
@talan

Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA approved and insurance will not cover it. However, my stem cell doc is a retired orthopedic surgeon with a wonderful reputation. For years he had felt there should be a better way than invasive surgeries to correct joint problems. He retired, studied for 4 years, then came back to part time practice just doing stem cell therapy on joints. I am almost 6 weeks out from mine. No joint pain at all, just some soreness and stiffness where my knee is still swollen---but not as swollen as it was before the procedure. I have had two PRP's (one prior to the procedure and one just a week after) and will have another in a few more weeks. The PRP's help the stem cells to heal the joint. My stem cells were taken from both bone marrow and from fat cells in my buttocks. I am delighted with the results so far. I would not go to one of the "advertising clinics" that do stem cells. I would not want a chiropractor or non orthopedist to do my procedure. Mine was also done in a sterile room which could be important. A lot to think about, for sure, but do careful and lengthy research before you commit.

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Your doctor sounds great--can you give his contact information, location and any other relevant information. Thanks so much!

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win sturgeon | @cobweb | May 13, 2017
In reply to @talan "Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA..." + (show)
@talan

Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA approved and insurance will not cover it. However, my stem cell doc is a retired orthopedic surgeon with a wonderful reputation. For years he had felt there should be a better way than invasive surgeries to correct joint problems. He retired, studied for 4 years, then came back to part time practice just doing stem cell therapy on joints. I am almost 6 weeks out from mine. No joint pain at all, just some soreness and stiffness where my knee is still swollen---but not as swollen as it was before the procedure. I have had two PRP's (one prior to the procedure and one just a week after) and will have another in a few more weeks. The PRP's help the stem cells to heal the joint. My stem cells were taken from both bone marrow and from fat cells in my buttocks. I am delighted with the results so far. I would not go to one of the "advertising clinics" that do stem cells. I would not want a chiropractor or non orthopedist to do my procedure. Mine was also done in a sterile room which could be important. A lot to think about, for sure, but do careful and lengthy research before you commit.

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In Toledo, Dr Kruse, Wildwood Family Practice, 419-578-7036

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win sturgeon | @cobweb | May 15, 2017
In reply to @bonlgd "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..." + (show)
@bonlgd

Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end of Nov 2016…but,
I had an appt with a regenerative medicine doc at a clinic about placental stem cell injections in both knees that is leaving me confused about what to do! I would love to have this done but I’m unsure of the REAL outcome of this procedure compared to Tkr! This Dr says that cartilage will regrow and the knees will heal to some degree, but I cannot find any info in online research that states stem cells can make cartilage regrow! I’m concerned about the high cost of the shots esp if it doesn’t work and it’s not guaranteed! They will repeat the injections 6 mos later if I’m unhappy with the results at no extra cost. I’m also concerned about how long this effect may last and if my arthritis will come back in the knee joints within 5-10 yrs.
I wanted to know if anyone has tried stem cell shots a few years ago that have proven to last over time? Online research implies cartilage cannot easily regrow YET, but probably in the future! Also seems there have been no large studies done with stem cell for knee arthritis. With Tkr it’s a done deal, outcome is assured, new knees that last 15-20 or more years! Albeit with pain, meds, and long recovery, etc!

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A good site to look at is Regenexx that is a private company i Colorado that had Doctors all over the USA. My two Doctors use their procedure and i have had luck with the back and the knee with stem cells. I had TKR and did not do well with it. What i like about stem cells is i had no pain with the procedure, was active after 2 weeks, and can garden with it by getting on that knee. Insurance covered everything but the procedure. No question, it is expensive and i have noticed fees are all over the place.
I watched a webinar by the mayo clinic on stem cells for arthritis and it seems to work for that. I have many friends who have had stem cells on the knee and no one has had problems yet. How long does it last? No answer. I am on my 2nd year. I know Nancy Lopez, the professional golfer had her knee done when i did and she returned to playing golf .
So , its your call. I have heard if you have 2 knees to do the cost is lower. Quality of life is important. I love to garden and play golf. My tkr knee hurts after golf. I hope it lasts. Good luck with your decision.

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talan | @talan | May 16, 2017
In reply to @talan "Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA..." + (show)
@talan

Most traditional orthopedists would not recommend stem cell at this point as it is not FDA approved and insurance will not cover it. However, my stem cell doc is a retired orthopedic surgeon with a wonderful reputation. For years he had felt there should be a better way than invasive surgeries to correct joint problems. He retired, studied for 4 years, then came back to part time practice just doing stem cell therapy on joints. I am almost 6 weeks out from mine. No joint pain at all, just some soreness and stiffness where my knee is still swollen---but not as swollen as it was before the procedure. I have had two PRP's (one prior to the procedure and one just a week after) and will have another in a few more weeks. The PRP's help the stem cells to heal the joint. My stem cells were taken from both bone marrow and from fat cells in my buttocks. I am delighted with the results so far. I would not go to one of the "advertising clinics" that do stem cells. I would not want a chiropractor or non orthopedist to do my procedure. Mine was also done in a sterile room which could be important. A lot to think about, for sure, but do careful and lengthy research before you commit.

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My doctor is Laurence McClish in Reno, NV. I think he is great! Come to our beautiful area, stay a couple of weeks cheaply at a casino, and enjoy the sites as well as have your procedure done!

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mari | @mari | May 18, 2017

Cells taken from belly r more numerous (like 25%) compared to smaller amt. from marrow.

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mari | @mari | May 18, 2017
In reply to @winning "I got into stem cells from watching a webinar from the Mayo Clinic on the cure..." + (show)
@winning

I got into stem cells from watching a webinar from the Mayo Clinic on the cure for arthritis. I would think it would work on your knees. Cost is a concern for many. Doing research on what doctors to use is important. Cost for me was $7,000, but I have heard some charge more and less. Good luck.

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Who charged you $7000.? And where are you? Wow fab results!
Cells from your belly? tell us more please

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mari | @mari | May 18, 2017
In reply to @tropicallady1276 "Thanks for getting back to me. It's funny you mentioned not going to an "advertising clinic"--..." + (show)
@tropicallady1276

Thanks for getting back to me. It's funny you mentioned not going to an "advertising clinic"-- I am going next week. I do not plan having it done with them but I want to see what they have to say and see if I can learn anything. I'm trying to find a reputable doctor in North Jersey with good reviews and even see if I can speak with one of their patients. I'm going to check Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Thanks, again.

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Oh yes, regenexx is known for being $$$$$
I am looking for CELL DR. in AZ ?
AND so. CA around Redondo Beach.??
Also, ANYBODY, WHAT ABOUT MEDICAL TRAVEL. Lots of countries doing it and we might get Embryonic stem cells. ??

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